Improving Cotton Fiber Quality Through Strategic Sowing: Implications for Phosphorus Management from Experiments in Chato District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted in Msilale Village, Chato District in Tanzania, to evaluate the influence of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton fiber quality. The study was established according to a factorial trial, with varying sowing dates (25th November 2022, 15th December 2022 and 4th January 2023) and phosphorus levels (control, 20 kg P ha−1, 40 kg P ha−1, 60 kg P ha−1). Results revealed that early planting had a statistically significant (p .05) impact these parameters within the tested range. This research underscores the critical role of selecting appropriate sowing dates for cotton cultivation to achieve better fiber quality.

Keywords

• Crop management strategies
• fibre value attributes
• improved livelihoods
• soil fertility
• sustainable agricultural systems
• Tanzania